Entries are open for AIBA, the largest annual beer competition in the world assessing both packaged and draught beer.
A diverse range of styles across 18 categories will be assessed with a total of 30 Champion and Major Trophies presented.
In response to industry feedback, the Gypsy Brewer Trophy has been added to the programme recognising Australian brewers who do not own a brewery, who were previously ineligible for a brewery trophy. The award reflects this growing and emerging trend in the Australian market and allows gypsy brewers to be part of the Champion trophy set. It is believed to be the only award of its kind in Australia.
AIBA head judge and Little Creatures head brewer, Warren Pawsey, said “The Gypsy Brewer Trophy presents a huge opportunity to talented Aussie brewers who have previously gone unrecognised in the industry. It opens the programme to a new range of unique flavours and brew styles. There is a lot of quality beer coming from gypsy brewers and I can’t wait to see what is put forward.”
This year, the judging and presentation schedule has shifted to closely align with Good Beer Week with less than a week between the two. The move allows for international and interstate judges to attend the Awards and join other industry participants in Melbourne for the biggest week of beer celebration in Australia.
The winners of the AIBA will be announced and celebrated at the Awards presentation, a gala dinner held on Thursday 21 May, followed by the Exhibitor Tasting at Feddish on Friday 22 May, two feature events of the Good Beer Week schedule.
The 2015 AIBA will play host to a judging team of 60 industry experts from all corners of the world, the largest contingent of expert assessors ever assembled for the Awards. The judging process ensures fair and consistent marking across all competition categories through blind tastings, each beer being assessed on its own merit, against set criteria.
The AIBA prides itself on being accessible to all brewers and breweries, giving all industry participants the opportunity to benchmark their product against peers and allowing them to promote their award-winning brews using the AIBA seal of quality and excellence.
Charlie Hodgson from Mash Brewing, winners of the 2014 Champion Australian Beer Trophy and Best IPA Trophy for their Mash AIPA, said winning at the AIBA led to a direct increase in sales and brand awareness.
“It has done huge things for Mash. This past summer was very busy with most tanks (not just trophy winners) selling out on the day they were kegged or packed. A lot of people are looking much closer at what we do and some of our other brands are having a really nice flow on effect in terms of sales,” Hodgson said.
AIBA entries close on Friday 6 March, with judging to be held between Wednesday 13 May and Friday 15 May, and winners to be announced on Thursday 21 May.
For more information and to submit your entry, visit www.rasv.com.au/beer.